Another Positive Story
The scene: Kingsessing Library
The players: Mayor Michael Nutter, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, Eagles owner Jeff Lurie, team members Donovan McNabb, Brian Dawkins, Brian Westbrook, numerous tv stations and media outlets.
“It’s a beautiful day in Philadelphia,” says the mayor to a crowd from all over the neighborhood. “And I know we got things off on a bad foot a few months back when the financial crisis hit. But today i stand before you to say we’re NOT closing this library. We’re NOT closing these pools. And it’s all thanks to our special guests, the Philadelphia Eagles, who really scored a touchdown for ALL PHILADELPHIANS when they volunteered to adopt our libraries until we get through this crisis. In fact, we’re so proud of our Eagles, we’ve both agreed to drop this silly court case that’s been stagnating for years. We’re forgoing that extra $2 million we wanted in interest, because the Eagles have saved our libraries.
And now I’d like to turn the mic over to some real heroes, on and off the gridiron. Jeff, will you and the team come on up to the podium and make some remarks?”
The cameras flash, the film rolls: it’s positive PR that lasts for decades as Jeff Lurie thanks the city for its patience in the crisis. “You know, we talk an awful lot about literacy at our website,” Lurie begins. “And we also talk a lot about kids, athletics, and the community. When we thought about what we give versus what we could give, especially now when this city, our city, our home, our fans need help, we realized we couldn’t just sit by.”
McNabb steps up. “You know,” he begins, “not everyone has the strength or skills to become a great football player. But everyone can learn to read, get an education and a diploma, and make something of themselves. That’s why we’re adopting Philadelphia’s libraries, so our fans and their kids have the resources to become winners. When Philadelphia wins, the Eagles win too. We’re a world class team, and we want our home to be a world class city.”
Dawkins adds, “There’s a saying about leaving it all on the field, about giving your all to win the game. By supporting Philadelphia’s libraries, we’re not only living up to our commitment, we’re leaving it all on the field. we’re making sure that everyone gets a chance to score a touchdown in life. We’re proud to help this city, and we’re proud to help the fans make the mlst of their lives through libraries and literacy. It’s our way of saying ‘Thanks, Philadelphia!’”
The crowd erupts in a chant of “E-A-G-L-E-S” as the fight theme plays over the PA speakers. It’s the kind of community relations that last a lifetime.
I can see it. I’ll bet you can too. Why can’t the Eagles?
December 15th, 2008 at 9:30 am
[...] the Eagles are upset by our video, perhaps they should think a minute about what it means to be a hero. I, for one, would love to be celebrating the Eagles, and anyone else that steps up to the plate to [...]